Week 1: Phillies Summer Camp Updates

Here’s a rundown of all the updates you need from Phillies Summer Camp.

Aaron Nola is not in Phillies camp. He has missed the first two days of Phillies camp and is said to be working out and preparing locally for the start of the season. Joe Girardi says the club is trying to work his way through Nola’s absence. If Nola is not ready to make his 3rd straight Opening Day start, Zach Wheeler would be expected to take his spot in the rotation.

Zach Wheeler is uncertain about his immediate future with the Phillies. His wife is expected to have a baby shortly and his family’s health is his number one concern. Quote from Wheeler yesterday:

“It’s a very difficult decision, something that I still play in my head,” Wheeler said. “I’ve gotta be very careful here at the field, outside of the field—wherever I go. The baby’s and Dominique’s health is most important to me, so whatever I can do to make sure they’re safe, that’s the number one goal for me. Baseball comes after that.”

Definitely something to keep an eye on – even more so with Nola still not in camp. A more ideal situation for the Phillies would be that Wheeler can make his second start and then take some time time away from the team to be with his family. Only time will tell.

Adam Haseley has also missed the first two workouts. He is also said to be working out locally, away from the team. Girardi did say Haseley’s absence was “due to a medical condition. We’re trying to work through it and get him here.”

The Phillies are without pitchers Ranger Suarez, Tommy Hunter and Hector Neris and second baseman Scott Kingery. All are on a special COVID-19 injured list.

Didi Gregorius worked out for the first time Saturday.

Catcher J.T. Realmuto is in camp and working out as planned, but still does not have an extension.

Bryce Harper is in the camp, looking great, and feeling great. He also had this to say about his buddy JT Realmuto.

“If the Phillies don’t end up signing him back, which would be terrible and sad, I think there’s a lot of other teams out there that are going to want to sign the guy. He’s a Gold Glove-caliber catcher every year, he’s a great person, a great player. I mean everybody in this organization from the top down wants to see him in red pinstripes for the rest of his career and hopefully we can make that happen.”

That’s a wrap on the updates for now. Check out this Phillies hype video.

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